History of the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race | River Thames London Boat Blog River Thames London Boat Blog » History of the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race The University Boat Race is one of the River Thames’ best known events on the calendar, attracting a cross section of supporters, sponsors and spectators from across the UK and internationally. For those of you who’ve been living under a rock, the Boat Race is an annual contest between two rowing crews from Oxford and Cambridge Universities. The first race took place in 1829 in Henley on Thames following a challenge between two school chums and has been repeated annually, except during the First and Second World Wars. The date of the race varies each year, usually falling on the last weekend of March or the first weekend of April, subject to the state and time of the high tide. The race is rowed upstream, with the assistance of the incoming tide behind them, usually starting an hour before high water. Today, the race takes place between the University Stones at Putney and Mortlake with the start line just upriver of Putney Bridge and the finish line just before Chiswick Bridge. The course is 4 miles, 374 yards (6.8 km).

This course was first used for the Boat Race in 1845 and has been used for every race since, apart from 1846, 1856 and 1863 when the race was held in the opposite direction between Mortlake and Putney. Source: Training for The Boat Race starts in September of each year with many hopeful rowers being eliminated as the season progresses. Sessions are rigorous – two or sometimes three times daily as well as gym and weight sessions; and that’s on top of a full day of studies! Three to four weeks prior to the race the crews will be announced to the press and public, accompanied by the official weigh-in – weights and heights of the crews are recorded and the speculation begins over which team has the advantage. The boat race is not just a man’s domain – the first women’s race took place in 1927 on the Isis in Oxford, with (according to The Times) “large and hostile crowds gathered on the towpath” as the men objected to women rowing. In the 1960’s the women’s race become a permanent fixture although it was rowed at Henley rather than Putney.

This year, for the first time ever, the Newton Women’s Boat Race will take place on the same day and course as the men’s race. 2015 sees the 161st Boat Race scheduled for the 11th April with the following schedule: 1650 The Newton Women’s Boat Race 1720 Isis v Goldie Race 1750 The BNY Mellon Boat Race Cambridge currently leads the series with 81 victories to Oxford’s 79, with one dead-heat in 1877. Head down to the Putney Embankment on 11th April and you’ll see both the Elizabethan and Erasmus moored at Putney Pier, supporting the rowers. You can also join in the fun by settling into one of the many pubs along the Embankment.

Share this: THE OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE BOAT RACE, LONDON RIVER THAMES INFORMATION EVENTS AND HISTORY 1829:ï¿½ First Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race held on 10 June at Henley-on-Thames 1836:ï¿½ Second race from Westminster to Putney 1845: First Boat Race held on The Thames between Putney and Mortlake 1849: Oxford won on a foul 1859: Cambridge sank 1873: First year the crews raced on sliding seats 1877: The race resulted in a dead heat 1898: The Cambridge crew was waterlogged but finished 1900: Cambridge win by 20 lengths 1912: The Race was scheduled for 31 March but both boats sank and it had to be re-run on 1 April 1915-19: No Boat Races during the First World War 1925: Oxford sank 1927: First year the BBC broadcast a running commentary on The Boat Race 1938: BBC Television covered The Boat Race for the first time 1932:

 The course was cut short by one minute due to construction work on Putney Bridge 1940-45: On 24 March, Oxford sank and the race was rescheduled for 26 March, when Cambridge won 1952: Oxford won by a canvas in a blizzard 1954: The 100th Boat Race.

Oxford won 1976: First sponsorship of The Boat Race, by Ladbrokes. Oxford broke the 17 minute barrier 1978: The Cambridge Blue Boat sank 1981: Sue Brown was the first female to participate in the race. She steered Oxford to victory 1982: Hugh and Rob Clay were the first twins ever to row in The Boat Race 1984: Cambridge wrote off their boat minutes before the start of the race 1985: Henrietta Shaw became the first Cambridge female cox 1987: The year of the famous Oxford mutiny caused by a number of top class American oarsmen who refused to row when a fellow American was dropped in preference for the English President, Donald Macdonald. Oxford, with Macdonald, won. Beefeater Gin became the official sponsor of The Boat Race 1988: Dennis Thatcher presented the trophy to the winning Oxford crew 1989: The first time both Blue Boats were coxed by women - Alison Norrish (Oxford) and Leigh Weiss (Cambridge).

HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, presented the trophy to the winning Oxford crew 1990: The record for the heaviest crew member ever to row in The Boat Race was broken by Chris Heathcote, weighing in at 17st 5lbs 1991: HRH Princess Anne presented the trophy to the winning Oxford crew 1992: Oxford beat Cambridge by one-and-a-half lengths in the closest race for twelve years. Matthew Pinsent, 1993 Oxford President, and Jonathan Searle, 1990 Oxford President, won gold medals at the 1992 Olympic Games 1993: Cambridge won in the fourth fastest time ever, defeating a much favoured Oxford crew 1994: For the first time in 21 years, Cambridge won two Boat Races in succession.

His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent presented the trophy 1996: Cambridge President, John Carver, watched his crew win the 1996 Boat Race from the launch boat, then picked up the trophy on their behalf from HRH Duchess of Kent 1997: Steve Redgrave, four-times Olympic rowing gold medallist, presented the trophy to the winning Cambridge crew 1998: Cambridge fielded the heaviest and tallest crew in Boat Race history. Both crews broke the course record with Cambridge winning for the sixth consecutive year in a course record time of 16 mins 19 sec. Beefeater Gin's sponsorship ended after 12 years 1999: The Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Clubs signed a three year sponsorship deal with Aberdeen Asset Management. Cambridge broke their own record for the tallest crew, helped by Josh West, the tallest man in Boat Race history at 6'9" 2000: Oxford won the 2000 Boat Race after seven consecutive wins by Cambridge. Matt Smith became the youngest oarsman to win the Boat Race.

Of the 12 British oarsmen who won gold medals at the Sydney Olympics, five had rowed in The Boat Race 2001: The 2001 Boat Race ended with a clear win for Cambridge, despite early clashes when Oxford were half a length ahead, then a restart after Cambridge bowman Colin Swainson lost an oar 2002: Oxford won in one of the tightest races of recent history. Cambridge man Sebastian Mayer seemed to collapse as The Race progressed. 2003: Oxford won by just one foot - probably the closest Boat Race of all-time given that the 1877 Dead Heat was recorded as "by six feet to Oxford". In those days boat alignment at the start and finish photography were not as sophisticated as today. Two sets of brothers rowed in opposing boats setting a Race precedent. David Livingston and Matt Smith were in the winning Oxford crew. James Livingston and Ben Smith rowed for Cambridge. It was a titanic struggle of a Race. Nelson Kruschandl - "Best value and service." These days there is a good choice of insurers each competing to save you money, so why not shop around.

When about 3 years ago Nelson's policy went up dramatically by about 30% he decided to check out the market. He obtained quotations from most of the firms advertising savings such as Churchill and Direct Line, but was pleasantly surprised to find his local company could beat the best quote he'd obtained by quite a bit and offer a better policy. Sold. Nelson says: "Why don't you give Hastings Direct a try online." Move up to a better service and help keep this website active. For every policy sold through us, Hastings Direct will contribute to our running costs - with no extra cost to you. Please help us if you can. Applies in the UK only. Hit the Thames to See London's Great River Race Updated December 29, 2016. About the Great River Race: The Great River Race is an annual rowing race on London's River Thames, sometimes known as London's River Marathon. The course is a grueling 21.6 miles long and runs upstream from the Docklands area in the east to Ham in Richmond in the west. Over 300 traditional row boats and paddled crafts take part in the event including Chinese dragon boats, Hawaiian war canoes and Viking longboats.

The event attracts competitors from around the world. Many compete to win but there are far more that take part for fun or to raise money for charity. The History of the Event: The first race took place in 1988 when 72 entrants took to the water in 20 boats representing six different countries. Competitors included young Sea Cadets, rowing veterans and boating enthusiasts. The event has now quadrupled in size and has attracted an array of vessels like a replica bronze age Greek galley and the world's oldest racing rowing boat which dates back to the 1800s. continue reading below our video America's Best Foodie Cities The international event has attracted a few stars along the way including Sting and Jerry Hall and it's the most prestigious event of its kind in Europe. To get a flavor of the event, check out these Great River Race photos . Race Route: The Boat Race (1952) - YouTube The Boat Race (1952) Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading...

Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Apr 13, 2014 River Thames, London, England. The annual Oxford & Cambridge University Boat Race. GV. People walking through snow and slush on Putney towpath. CU. Feet ploughing through slush. SV. Old blues and others walking under umbrella. SV. People on balcony of boathouse watching crew enter. SV. Policeman in capes and macs on towpath SV. Oxford taking boat to water. SCU. Old blue Pan down to blanket around feet and waist. SV. Oxford boat put into water. SCU. Old blue looking on. CU. Pan up old blue from boots to fur gloves. SV. Cambridge put boat in to water. SCU. A very old blue looking on. SV. Cambridge on water pan up to snow swept river. CU. Cambridge cox wearing goggles. GV. Crowd on towpath. SV. People watching from boathouse balcony. LV. Crews at start Oxford near camera. SV. People watching from balcony. LV. Start pan to back view LV.

Race from launch. & SV. CU. Cambridge hugging bank pan to Oxford rowing close to them Pan back to Cambridge. GV. Hammersmith Bridge crews shoot bridge on far side. SV. From launch Oxford Pan to Cambridge. CU. Cambridge crew. Crews shooting Barnes Bridge towards and pan (Cambridge in lead. Abreast with camera showing Cambridge's slight lead. SV. From launch Oxford pan to Cambridge. GV. Towards and pan crews race to finish Past post. SV. Oxford crew resting in boat. SV. Both crews in boats. (Orig. Neg.) FILM ID:21.5 A VIDEO FROM BRITISH PATHÉ. EXPLORE OUR ONLINE CHANNEL, BRITISH PATHÉ TV. IT'S FULL OF GREAT DOCUMENTARIES, FASCINATING INTERVIEWS, AND CLASSIC MOVIES. FOR LICENSING ENQUIRIES VISIT Category Cambridge vs Oxford: all the boat race winners listed | News | theguardian.com Blog home Cambridge vs Oxford: all the boat race winners listed Cambridge and Oxford are once again set to go head to head in the Varsity Boat Race this weekend but which university boasts the most wins and what is the fastest time?

• Get the data Rowing - 2011 Oxford v Cambridge University Boat Race - River Thames, London - 26/3/11 Oxford's Bow Moritz Hafner (C) celebrates winning the race with team mates Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Photograph: Reuters The Oxford and Cambridge rowing teams are lining up for the annual Varsity Boat Race today but who will walk away victorus and add another win to their total? Cambridge is currently in the lead in terms of most wins since the race began with 80 wins compared with Oxford's 76. Last year Oxford beat their rivals with a time of 17 minutes and 32 seconds despite Cambridge being tipped as the favourites. Oxford won the first ever race in 1829 with a time of 14 minutes and three seconds, although it should be noted that it was a different course. The current course runs from Putney to Mortlake. The Xchanging Boat Race website shows the route and the best places for spectators via a Google map .

The record time for the current 4 miles and 374 yard course belongs to Cambridge who finished in 16 minutes and 19 seconds in 1998. Interestingly the data shows that Cambridge have sunk their boat twice in the race's history whilst Oxford have only sunk once. A list of all the winning boats and winning time by year can be found below. There are also details of the reserves in the spreadsheet, which you can download. What can you do with this data? Data summary Boat Races 2015: Oxford v Cambridge: as it happened - Telegraph Boat Race 2015 Boat Races 2015: Oxford v Cambridge: as it happened Follow live commentary from the historic women and men's Boat Races along the River Thames on 11 April 2015 - women at 4.50pm and men at 5.50pm BST (both live on BBC One) Ready to race: Oxford and Cambridge crews prepare for battle Photo: GETTY IMAGES Here is the report of the Men's BNY Mellon Boat Race . A great day for rowing. The women's crews took their rightful place competing on the same day as their male counterparts.

And a great day for Oxford - they won the women's, the men's and the reserve race. Thanks very much for following it all with us. Goodnight. 18.34 Clare Balding signs off with: "April 11th will go down in history as the day in which women were finally allowed to take place in this historic event. It is the start of a new chapter." 18.31 "That was the biggest boat race crowd I have ever seen. It was the best atmosphere I can remember, great to see so many women down here. It has been a great advert for rowing," says Sir Matt Pinsent. 18.29 Cox throwing. 18.25 And here are the winning Oxford crew, who triumphed with a margin of 19 seconds. They will get their trophy from Sir Steve Redgrave. 18.24 Presentation time. Here come the Cambridge boys, led up by their prez Alex Leichter. 18.14 OUBC president Stan Louloudis says: "I felt a lot more pressure this time. Partly because I was leading the guys and partly because we had some dark moments in the build-up.

But we went out and executed a really good race." &amp;lt;noframe&amp;gt;Twitter: Tim Stanley - Cambridge still ahead in Nobel Prizes &amp;lt;a href="" target="_blank"&amp;gt;#boatrace2015&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/noframe&amp;gt; 17 mins 53 Cambridge battle home. Hard lines. Six lengths the margin. 17 mins 34 Oxford cross the line! A fantastic display. Oxford win the men's boat race. 17 mins: Victory in the women's race, victory in the reserve race.... 16 mins: Oxford show no mercy though. They have not let up by even one iota. Respect for the opponent involves finishing them off, sometimes. 15 mins: Playing for pride now. 12 mins: Ooh dear this looks almost impossible now for the Cambridge chaps. They're miles behind at Chiswick Steps. &amp;lt;noframe&amp;gt;Twitter: Gary Lineker - The Boat Race is oarsome! I'll get my coat.&amp;lt;/noframe&amp;gt; 9 mins: Oxford are now a length clear.

And that was very impressive stuff, they took a big bite out of Cambridge at probably the hardest moment they could have done - with the bend against them and into a strong wind. (Normally the heavier crew does better into the wind) 8 mins: Cambridge making a move. They have upped their stroke rate by a couple, but it has not worked. Oxford have put in a big push as well. Cambridge struggling with some choppy water. Meanwhile, Joyce Chadwick writes: I have just watched the momentous first ever Women's Boat Race on the Thames. Congratulations to Oxford who put in a stupendous performance with top class women rowers showing how it should be done. I can only hope that someone in Cambridge apologises to their team for not giving them the same opportunity and support as Oxford does by enticing some of the top class rowers with good scholarships on offer to graduates and better facilities all round. The Cambridge crew trained just as hard and in rather more difficult circumstances than Oxford and they deserve our praise and congratulations in making that supreme effort despite the odds being against them.

The powers-that-be in Cambridge ignored warnings that, unless they made an effort to recruit some top class women rowers, they would lose the race but they let those brave dedicated women and their coaches carry on training all hours and without the facilities they deserved. I hope they are hanging their heads in shame. 6 mins: They're coming under the bridge now and it is Oxford who have the lead. But Cambridge not out of it yet by any means. 5 mins: Coming up to Hammersmith Bridge it's the Cambridge men who will enjoy the bend. 4 mins: Umpire Boris Rankov is getting involved, not a lot of a gap between the two. 3 mins: But as Fulham FC recedes in the distance, it looks like Oxford are pulling away. Perhaps half a length clear now. 2 mins: Coming past Craven Cottage they are side by side. Solid effort from Cambridge. 1 mins Strong start from Oxford, smooth and powerful. Cambridge wrestling with it a bit more. They're neck and neck after the first few strokes. Oxford with the better start, and they've settled into a quarter a length lead. 17.50 Under orders, as it were.

17.48 The teams are at the start and are ready to roll. They've tested the starting noise thingy. Both coxes still have their hands in the air. 17.47 Cambridge a fair bit heavier. A tough, windy day for it. A lot of thoughts are with the family of Dan Topolksi, who was Mister Boat Race for so many years . He died seven weeks ago. 17.46 Here are the Oxford boys. 17.42 The Dark Blue reserves win with plenty to spare. About four or five lengths. It was 13 or so last year, so that's getting closer. 17.40 Cambridge win the toss and choose Surrey. Meanwhile the Isis-Goldie race is going on. &amp;lt;noframe&amp;gt;Twitter: Cam FM - 97.2 - Half a length to Isis under Barnes, Goldie fighting back. Looking to be a close race&amp;lt;/noframe&amp;gt; 17.30 Just time for the Oxford women to toss their cox into the water and now we'll turn our attention to the men's event.

The men's race is at 5.50pm 17.29 Here is a report of the women's race. Oxford have won the women's Boat Race, the first to take place on the same Putney to Mortlake course as the men's race. The winners extended their dominance over Cambridge with a 12th victory in 16 years on a landmark day for the women's boat race. For the first time in 88 years the women's race was staged on the famous Tideway course that for so long had been the sole preserve of the men.Hot favourites Oxford romped to a comfortable victory by six and a half lengths – about 19 seconds – as the women struck a telling blow for sporting equality, racing the same championship course and on the same day as the men. It’s the first time since the men’s race started in 1829 that the crews are racing on the Tideway on the same day, getting equal billing and funding thanks to sponsorship by Newton Asset Management. Previously, the women’s race, which started in 1927, took place the week before the men’s race, on a shorter course and in front of a few hundred spectators.

Oxford's Caryn Davies – a double Olympic gold medallist with the United States – said: "I'm proud and honoured to have this much attention. "It shows how excited people are and I'm so glad we can be role models to all the young women out there. "I could just hear so many people cheering along the banks and it didn't matter it they were cheering for Oxford or Cambridge. Just that they turned out was really great for us." 17.28 And here are the triumphant Oxford women, who are presented with their trophy by Sir Steve Redgrave. 17.24 Generous round of applause for the losing crew, some of whom look a bit glum. But they were well beaten by a much stronger outfit. 17.10 Oxford have won the women's boat race. 17.03 6,800 metres this course. Coming up to Chiswick Steps it's looking like it's all over for the women of Cambridge. But women's rowing is very much the winner on this historic day in which the women's boat race takes place not at Henley but on the same day and over the same course as the men's.

&amp;lt;noframe&amp;gt;Twitter: D W - &amp;lt;a href="" target="_blank"&amp;gt;@TelegraphSport&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="" target="_blank"&amp;gt;@BNYMellonRaces&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="" target="_blank"&amp;gt;@alantyers&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt; Oops BBC female commentator just said "Have have the Oxford cox in my ear"&amp;lt;/noframe&amp;gt; 16.57 &amp;lt;noframe&amp;gt;Twitter: The Rowing Voice - Look for the Ox BB sleeves - they have Dan Topolski's name embroidered on. RIP Dan. Should be on the women's too - he coached them way back.&amp;lt;/noframe&amp;gt; 16.55 Only six minutes in and I am sorry to say that the BBC commentator is saying "well it is a lovely day and history is being made, a shame we did not have a closer race".

16.52 We are underway in the women's boat race. Four minutes into it and Cambridge are under huge pressure. 16.45 And he is more from Rachel ... The results of the tosses - winners OUWBC, Goldie and CUBC - all chose Surrey. pic.twitter.com/ErQjFImHXs — The Rowing Voice (@RowingVoice) April 11, 2015 16.35 While you settling in for the women's Boat Race, here are a couple of profiles worth reading from Rachel Quarrell. Daphne Martschenko, Cambridge Women American Daphne Martschenko sits in the 7-seat for Cambridge women, was actually born in London, and started rowing at high school. She continued the sport at Stanford University, winning a slew of collegiate first- and second-team trophies. She was selected for the US under-23 team in 2012 and 2014, rowing one year and sculling the other, and would clearly like to pursue her rowing career further, though she says she's taking it "one day at a time". This is partly due to an injury she suffered this year.

"A tendon went in my shoulder," she says. "I was three weeks out of the crew. It was so hard to push the boat off and not be in it. I was on the watt-bike non-stop." Meanwhile the crew got on with making technical changes without her, although Martschenko was able to join coach Rob Baker and watch. "I got to come out in the launch - I'm a very visual learner so that was very helpful," she says. "I came back to rowing all guns blazing. I was so excited when I got back into the boat after the last fixture, I just love the energy of being in the boat on the water." Of the Thames river, the other partner in the Women's Boat Race, she says: "It's obviously a very unique body of water. Our training area at Stanford was also tidal so to an extent it's siilar, but the Tideway is so much more organic and alive. It makes it more of a strategic sport, a great lesson in being flexible and adaptive." As a Californian, she was braced for dire conditions when she arrived in Cambridge, but has been surprised by the UK's mildest winter in years.

"I came in really preparing myself for bad weather, rain every day, and I was pleasantly surprised. But I've been told it has been a little bit of an anomaly." Studying for an MPhil in Education at Homerton, she is keen to carry on. "I knew I wanted to do a PhD some time," she says. "This has been great — the programme I found at Cambridge is 100% me, I stumbled upon it when I was looking at the education faculty, an academic study that really spoke to my energy and passion." And the rowing? "Yes, in the US you are only allowed to row [at a high student level] as an undergraduate. This has been an incredible adventure, I still feel it's not real. And to be in a place where rowing is a recognised and respected sport. Being from the States where they think I do canoeing or kayaking or something. This is really nice to come and people know what rowing is, I love it." Shelley Pearson, Oxford Women For Shelley Pearson, the only Bermudan in this year's races, applying to Oxford to read for a masters in child education was an easy decision.

A finalist for the Rhodes scholarship linked to Oxford, she read her undergraduate degree at Harvard, which has become something of a feeder to the dark Blues' university — both in and out of rowing. "I've always known that I wanted to go to Oxford, ever since high school. It's been a fantastic experience, even though I had an interesting start so arrived on crutches," Pearson says. Crutches? Yes, in September she was still undergoing treatment for a long-term problem. "I have an aneurysmal bone cyst in my pelvis," she explains. "I have had nine surgeries on it, the most recent in August, and was on crutches for 12 weeks until November and could start training again a little in December." She hadn't by that point been in a boat since April, because she had torn a tendon attached to her pelvic bone during the spring of 2014. It is something of a miracle that she is even in this year's boat, and she will be back to see the doctors the week after the Boat Race, to see what the next step will be. This could matter more to this country's rowing coaches than it might appear.

Pearson rowed for the US as a junior, winning gold in the American eight at the 2009 junior world championships, but coming from a British colony is eligible for the GB team too, and had been hoping to attend the GB final trials last year before her injury ruled her out. "I'm taking it one day at a time, though, I really don't have plans for the future. My system has calmed down and bone is growing, which is encouraging, but I will have to keep on top of it because it could come back at any time." Meanwhile there the little matter of a 4.25 mile side by side race to row, one of the longest and most arduous in the sport. "I'm trying to stay calm but excited," she says. "I'm as mentally and physically prepared as possible, and I just want to race." 16.15 In about 30 minutes the women will be aiming for this post – which signifies the end of their race. 16.05 Ladies first ... the men have their toss (GETTY IMAGES) 16.00 And as the Grand National is about to start here's a tweet you might like.

&amp;lt;noframe&amp;gt;Twitter: Clare Balding - Proud to be presenting &amp;lt;a href="" target="_blank"&amp;gt;#TheBoatRaces&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt; (don&amp;amp;rsquo;t forget the s) today. Historic day for sport &amp;amp;amp; progress towards equality&amp;lt;/noframe&amp;gt; Here's why Clare Balding is not at Aintree , and chose to present the Boat Race. 15.48 Just over an hour to go until the women set off. Plenty of time to grab a Pimm's, G&T, or whatever your tipple of choice is ... 15.40 The women presidents toss the coin for their favoured channel (GETTY IMAGES) 15.29 Rowing isn't all toffs punting around on the river . Here's an interview with Mark Hunter by Oliver Pickup. The Double World Champion, Olympic gold medallist and former Leander Club captain is an East End boy done good. Those seeking a flag bearer for the inclusivity of rowing in Britain need look no further than Mark Hunter.

And the Londoner, born and bred in the East End with childhood dreams of emulating Sir Bobby Moore at his beloved West Ham United, is not afraid to dip his oar to dispel the myth that his sport is dominated by public school attendees – certainly not any more. “Rowing is massively different now compared to how it used to be,” Hunter tells Telegraph Sport. “It’s a lot more open, with opportunities for people from all walks of life to take part. I remember when I would row for the Great Britain junior teams and the kids from nicer schools were playing chess and I asked them if I could give it a go. They looked at me as though to say: ‘What, you really want to play this?’ It was as if it was too intelligent for me. And then I played it and I was actually really good; I wiped the floor with everybody.” 15.15 New to rowing? Here is our jargon-busting guide to some of the terms you may be hearing. Here's a few to start you off. Blade – the rowing term for an oar. Blondie – the name for the Cambridge women’s reserve crew, named to match Goldie, the men’s equivalent.

The women’s reserves will race over the same course the day before the main event, their contest acting as the TV dress rehearsal for commentators and techs. Blue – the university colours awarded to those who take part in the Boat Race. Oxford's are dark blue, Cambridge's are light blue. Bow – Two meanings: a) the front end of the boat, and b) the oarsman who sits nearest that end. Catch – the perceived start of the stroke, when the oars enter the water and the rower start to push with their legs. 'Sharp' catches are when the oars disappear fast and simultaneously below the water. 15.00 Clare Balding has ditched the National in favour of the Boat Races. Here, she explains why . &amp;lt;noframe&amp;gt;Twitter: Clare Balding - Proud to be presenting &amp;lt;a href="" target="_blank"&amp;gt;#TheBoatRaces&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt; (don&amp;amp;rsquo;t forget the s) today.

Historic day for sport &amp;amp;amp; progress towards equality&amp;lt;/noframe&amp;gt; 14.45 We'll be putting together of all the best pictures from the Boat Races . There are already some really nice shots of the scenes down in Chiswick. 14.30 Right then! It's a sunny but blustery day in London, ideal weather for a good stroll to blow away the rest of the lingering cobwebs and then a few drinks down by the river. Or, for those without easy access to a river, a few drinks and a read pf our live blog. Thanks for joining us. 11.30 Good morning all and welcome to our live blog of the Men’s Boat Race and the Women’s Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge. Want to learn more about the athletes on display today? Here is our definitive guide to both the men’s and women’s crews . It’s certainly an event that has featured plenty of well-known people throughout the years. Will there be a future Sir Matt Pinsent on show today, perhaps? Or maybe even a Hugh Laurie ... Learn more in our picture gallery here .

One person of note who is looking forward to it all today is Clare Balding, who snubbed Channel 4’s Grand National coverage in favour of an afternoon down by the Thames to report on the Boat Races for the BBC. Here, she explains why . If you are heading down to the river today, this handy guide will mark your card for all the best bars, restaurants and vantage points. Race schedule 16:50 women's Blue Boats Oxford W v Cambridge W 17:20 men's reserve crews Isis v Goldie 17:50 men's Blue Boats Oxford M v Cambridge M Alan Tyers will be here from 2.30pm to bring you crew news, build up and live coverage Boat race route: Where to watch the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race 2016 | London Evening Standard Pubs and Bars Boat race route: Where to watch the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race 2016 The two great institutions go oar to oar over four-and-quarter-miles on Sunday March 27.

Settle down in one of the best pubs on the course to make sure you don't miss a stroke, says David Ellis Wednesday 23 March 2016 09:00 BST Click to follow Where to watch the Boat Race 2016 1/10 The Star & Garter 4 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 1JN, thestarandgarter.com Catch the start of the action at this upmarket spot. Head outside to glimpse the coin tosses, which decide who races on which side of the river (Middlesex or Surrey). The Star & Garter is just by University Stone, which marks the start line. Watch them bolt from the line, then grab a pint inside to enjoy the rest of the race on screens inside. 2/10 The Duke's Head 8 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 1JN, dukesheadputney.com A few doors down from The Star sits the Duke's Head. Just the name of the Coxswain Dining Room lets you know they're serious about rowing here.

The race starts by their terrace, they're screening it indoors and there's a party downstairs in the Rowing Club afterwards, with live music. Everyone's a winner. 3/10 The Crabtree Rainville Road, Fulham, W6 9HA, thecrabtreew6.co.uk This pub, on the Middlesex side of the river (that's the north side to most of us) about one and a half miles into the race, is steeped in boat race history: the stretch of the course it overlooks is even named Crabtree Reach after it. Unsurprisingly, they're going all out for the Boat Race, with a festival kicking off from midday. There'll be themed pop-up bars, an array of bites to eat (including a hog roast), and live music and a DJ set. 4/10 The Blue Anchor 13 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9DJ, blueanchorlondon.com Just 10 minutes from Hammersmith tube, the family-run Blue Anchor is always popular. It's the first of four pubs that line the north bank around the midway point, and its outside space, the walkway, takes you right down to the river.

It's right by the Rutland Arms, so if you can't squeeze in here, pop next door. Google Maps 5/10 The Rutland Arms 15 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9DJ, taylor-walker.co.uk Another one that’s always packed, The Rutland shares the same great view as its neighbour, The Blue Anchor, but is slightly bigger. There will be classic burgers and chips pub grub and extra TVs installed for the occasion. If you can face the crowds, wander up to Hammersmith Bridge itself for the truly special views. Google Maps 6/10 The Dove 19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TA, dovehammersmith.co.uk The outside area here is small and gets packed at the best of times at this charming little pub. There are two levels though: the upstairs one seats only a handful, but has the best views. According to the Guinness book of records, one of its bars is the smallest in the world – so if you miss the race, you'll still have something to look out for.

7/10 The Old Ship 25 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TD, oldshipw6.co.uk The final pub on the midway stretch, The Old Ship has a terrific view down Chiswick Reach towards Chiswick Steps. It’s a big space with terraces up and downstairs and a large beer garden. It's actually a great spot to watch, as at this point the race usually isn't completely decided one way or the other. They're hosting their second Boat Race festival, following the success of last year, with live music, outdoor bars and a barbecue. 8/10 The Bull's Head 373 Lonsdale Road, Barnes, SW13 9PY, geronimo-inns.co.uk This popular jazz venue in leafy Barnes is just before the Barnes Bridge, so you'll have to pop over the Lonsdale Road to the bank to actually watch the boats go by, but if you're too attached to your pint by that time, screens inside will be showing the action. Expect live music to get everyone in the mood pre-race.

9/10 The White Hart The Terrace, Riverside, Barnes, SW13 0NR, whitehartbarnes.co.uk The White Hart has stunning riverside views from the south bank and its position between Barnes Bridge and the finish line at Chiswick Bridge makes it the perfect spot to watch the final quarter of the race – even if the outcome of the race is often already decided by then. Start in style with a three course dinner in The Terrace Kitchen, where there'll be live music too, or trot downstairs to the Canon Bar, where there'll be a live band and afterwards, a DJ spinning well into the night. Grab a pint and bite of the BBQ, et voila, instant happiness. 10/10 The Ship The Ship, 10 Thames Bank, Mortlake, SW14 7QR, taylor-walker.co.uk It's not terribly often there's a photo finish in the boat race, but if there is, this is the place to watch it. It gets busy with crowds eagerly waiting to catch the first glimpse of boats coming round the bend after Barnes Bridge and, with a view of the final stretch, it’s the perfect place to celebrate –or drown your sorrows.

Screens inside will keep you up to date with all the action until then. This Easter Sunday, March 27, sees the return of the long, bitter-fought battle between Oxford and Cambridge, as the two blues go oar to oar in the annual boat race. More than 300,000 people are expected to line the Thames to watch both the women’s race, which begins at 3.10pm, and the men, at 4.10pm. For more than four miles from Putney Bridge to Chiswick Bridge, Cambridge will be looking to save face after last year's embarrassing loss, which saw them come in second by 19 seconds. They're favourites to come out on top this year, though, adding to their record of 81 wins over Oxford's 79. Should Oxford triumph, however, it would be their seventh win in nine years. The teams have only ever drawn once. It's thought Oxford's women's team will triumph over their Cambridge counterparts.

Oxford Cambridge Boat Race 2016: Date, start time, course and odds With a poor weather forecast, head into one of the pubs detailed our gallery above, which show you the best places for pint along the course, from start to finish. Just get there early: everywhere fills up very, very quickly. Prepare to get territorial. This being London, don't expect to get to the riverbanks with ease: there are works going ahead, so be sure to read how to get there and avoid travel disruption . Watch our explainer of the race below. Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race 2016 explainer If rowing doesn't float your boat, try the annual Goat race instead.

Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race through the years - In pictures Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race through the years - In pictures 1/28 Constantine Louloudis of Oxford celebrates with the trophy during the BNY Mellon University Boat Race 2015 between Oxford and Cambridge on April 11, 2015 in London Tom Shaw/Getty Images March 1928: Oxford and Cambridge teams race along the River Thames Fox Photos/Getty Images 3/28 31 March 1928: A woman climbs a ladder which is leaning against a lamppost to get a better view over the crowd of the annual University Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge Edward G.

Malindine/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images 4/28 22 March 1929: A photo-montage of the Oxford (bottom) and Cambridge University rowing crews who will face each other in the centenary boat race on the River Thames, London Topical Press Agency/Getty Images 5/28 13 March 1931: Captain Sir Beachcroft Towse V C presenting watches to D the Oxford University President E Tinne and T A Brocklebank, representing Cambridge, so that the annual boat race may be timed J. A. Hampton/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images 6/28 19 March 1932: The Cambridge University rowing crew bringing out their boat before the University Boat Race against Oxford on the River Thames, London, between Putney and Mortlake Topical Press Agency/Getty Images 7/28 6 April 1935: A barge jutting into the river Thames at Hammersmith full of keen spectators at the annual University BoatRrace between Oxford and Cambridge Edward F.

Smith/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images 8/28 19 March 1935: The Oxford University team rowing on the River Thames at Putney during a training session for the University Boat Race against Cambridge Edward F. Smith/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images 9/28 24 March 1937: Crowds on the riverbank at Hammersmith in west London gather to watch the annual Oxford and Cambridge boat race London Express/Getty Images 10/28 Oxford vs Cambridge boat race in 1938 at the finish of the race. Oxford are nearest the camera Associated Newspapers 11/28 19 January 1939: H P V Massey, the 3ft 11inch tall cox of the Oxford University rowing crew, shouts orders to his team mates during training for the annual Oxford and Cambridge University boat race William Vanderson/Fox Photos/Getty Images 12/28 27 March 1948: Cadets on board the training ship 'Stork' cheer as the Cambridge University rowing team lead Oxford by three lengths during the University Boat Race on the Thames Edward G.

Malindine/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images 13/28 The Oxford boat sinks after only half a mile, during the annual University boat race against Cambridge on 24th March 1951 Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images 14/28 29 March 1952: Spectators brave the cold on the towpath near Hammersmith Bridge, west London, to watch the Oxford and Cambridge University boat race Edward G.

Malindine/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images 15/28 7 April 1962: Oxford (right) and Cambridge approach Hammersmith Bridge neck and neck in the annual Oxford and Cambridge boat race along the Thames in West London Central Press/Getty Images 16/28 The Cambridge team take in water and sink during the Oxford-Cambridge boat race on the River Thames, 28th March 1978 Wesley/Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images The Cambridge boast race crew celebrate their win over Oxford in 1995 Simon Miles/Allsport/Getty Images 18/28 1991: The Oxford crew celebrate another victory over Cambridge in the 1991 Boat Race on the Thames in London Simon Bruty/Allsport/Getty Images 19/28 26 March 1994: Cambridge opens up a clear advantage over Oxford during the University Boat Race on the River Thames in London Allsport/Getty Images 20/28 The victorious Oxford crew celebrate at the end of the Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race on the Thames in London, 28th March 1987.

The Oxford crew completed the course in 17 minutes, 58 seconds Bob Martin/Getty Images 21/28 Cambridge University rowers Kieran West (L) and Joshua West (R) react after passing the finish line of the 147th University Boat Race in London Saturday 24 March 2001. Cambridge won by just over 2 lengths over Oxford University AFP/Getty Images 22/28 ambridge cox Rebecca Dowbiggin is thrown into the water after succesfully leading her crew to win the 153rd Oxford and Cambridge boat race on 07 April 2007 AFP/Getty Images 23/28 The Cambridge team competes against Oxford (not pictured) during the 154th Oxford and Cambridge boat race, on the River Thames in London, March 29, 2008.

The Oxford team won the race AFP/Getty Images 24/28 The Oxford boat crew (L) celebrate after crossing the finish line to beat Cambridge (R) by a comfortable margin during the 155th Oxford versus Cambridge boat race, held between Putney Bridge and Chiswick Bridge in west London on March 29, 2009 Geoff Caddick/AFP/Getty Images 25/28 Rob Weitemeyer of Canada, Fred Gill of Great Britain, Code Sternal of USA, Pete McCelland of Canada, George Nash of Great Britain, Derek Rasmussen of USA, Henry Pelly of Great Britain, Ted Randolph of Great Britain, Deaglan McEachern of USA all from Cambridge and Sjoerd Hamburger of Netherlands, Adam Barhamand of USA, Charlie Burkitt of Great Britain, Simon Gawlik of Germany, Matt Evans of Canada/Great Britain, Cameron Winklevoss of USA, Martin Walsh of Ireland, Ben Myers of Great Britain all of Oxford pose during the Xchanging Boat Race Launch at London Bridge on March 1, 2010 in London Tom Shaw/Getty Images 26/28 Trenton Oldfield is helped from the river Thames after disrupting the 

158th annual Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race on the river Thames at Mortlake, west London.

Oldfield appeared in court charged with a public order offence on April 23, 2012 after Britain's historic Boat Race was dramatically disrupted on April 7 when Oldfield swam across the River Thames AFP/Getty Images 27/28 The Cambridge crew at the start of the race during the BNY Mellon University Boat Race 2015 between Oxford and Cambridge on April 11, 2015 28/28 Spectators line the banks to watch the BNY Mellon University Boat Race on The River Thames on April 11, 2015 in London Richard Heathcote/Getty Images 2009 University Boat Race Part 1 - YouTube 2009 University Boat Race Part 1 Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Apr 29, 2009 The annual boat race between the teams of Oxford and Cambridge Universities is held on the River Thames in London.

It is a major social event with all the vantage points along the river booked well in advance. The teams train for a year and virtually give up their academic studies for the period. In the UK anyone who has rowed or coxed in the Boat Race is virtually guaranteed a job for life because of the prestige it brings. It is always covered on television. This year was on a Sunday due to the tide but it is more often on a Saturday. Category

Question: Which river is used for the annual Oxford v Cambridge boat race?
Answer: The river Thames